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Welcome to Couch Convos with Lisa W. Tetting, where we delve into the world of Author Interviews. Lisa’s convos with all types of authors will feel like you’re sitting on the couch chatting along. Find out about up and coming authors, their books and the business of writing all in one place. So grab some tea and a snack & get ready for a good time. Today we welcome Best- selling, award-winning interracial romance author JJ Murray!

Part I

LL: Welcome to Couch Convos! Let’s get started. The Date is amazing! What inspired you to write it?

JJ:THE DATE is a departure for me because it’s not a typical HEA romance. I believe it is a more realistic view of what passes for romance in the new millennium.

LL: Why do you choose to write about interracial couples?

JJ: I have been writing interracial romance (BWWM) since I began courting my future wife in 1989. She inspired many of the heroines in my 38 novels.

LL: Your main character in The Date, William makes such a transition from push over to standing firm in his convictions. How did you come up with his personality and everything that came with it?

JJ:Like most of my heroes, William is not an alpha male. Though readers seem to prefer alphas in their romance novels, I believe they have a much better chance of meeting and snuggling up to a beta male in real life.

LL: How did you determine the places William would take Brittany to on their date?

JJ:I chose the “events” in their date based on what I thought would create the most fun and romance. Like all dates, some of what they do doesn’t quite work out.

Part II

LL: Who designs your book covers and how did you come up with the concept for them?

LL: Which social media platforms do you find most beneficial in getting the word out for your books?

JJ:Facebook and Instagram seem best for promoting my work.

LL: Tell us about your writing process. Do you need complete silence or do you work with music? Do you have a little drink while writing or is smoking your thing? Give us the skinny.

JJ: I keep a little spiral notebook with me at all times and write whenever and wherever I can—at work, while driving, at home. I transfer much of what I scratch down later to files in my laptop. I drink gallons of hot Irish tea and eat bags of pretzels mainly. (I don’t drink or smoke). Each of my novels has a soundtrack, and I include music (and food!) in every one.

LL: What does your writing nook look like? If you could make it into anything you wanted, what would that look like?

JJ:I write on an 1898 Campaign desk that has slots and shelves and a slide-out board for my laptop. I surround myself with pictures of my sons and have natural oils, watercolors, and lithographs on my walls. My dog, Lovie the Wonder Mutt (a 10-year-old boxer/Labrador), is usually at my feet.

LL: What was your editing process like?

JJ:When I was with Kensington Publishing, my agent, editor, and a copy editor hacked at my work. Now, only I edit my work, but I have a great deal of experience in editing after 33 years teaching college and high school English and editing 100+ novels, mostly from first-time authors.

LL: Please give other indie writers 3 tips/tricks that you learned and used during your writing career.

JJ:1) Get it down on the page, and don’t expect perfection until much later. Spew. Vomit. Fill the page. Only then will you have anything to work with.

2) Make time to write and stick to a schedule.

3) Use pen and paper often. Writing is more visceral and real that way.

LL: Share one unique thing you’ve done to market your book?

JJ:I used to make ten dozen chocolate chip cookies for my signings. Folks like to eat and talk literature.

LL: Tell the readers the one resource you can’t live without as a writer?

JJ:In the old days, it was an old Roget’s thesaurus and a 1950 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Now, it’s the Internet, this generation electronic Library of Alexandria. I enjoy reading Yelp reviews!

LL: Do you use an outline when writing and do you stick to it?

JJ: I outline the entire novel first so I know how my book is going to end. It is general enough that I can deviate at will and go off on tangents.

LL: Will you be participating in any conferences this year? If so, which ones and when?

JJ:I will not be traveling any time soon. I exhausted myself last year with seven different events.

LL: What are you currently working on?

JJ:SOMEBODY TO LOVE. (I’d give you more information, but it’s a work-in-progress)

Well, that brings us to the close of another episode of Couch Convos. Be sure to check out The Date and the rest of JJ’s catalog. For more information about JJ Murray hit him up on his social media accounts.

I have been inspired to create a guest blog event for women who are over 30 and are childless. There were a couple of social media posts over the last few weeks that I was engaged in where women who do not have a baby and are over the age of 30 are simply tired of being harassed by society. They will not comply with what the rest of the world deems normal and are pushing back. The reluctance to talk about what is happening with their bodies is personal and private. Why do strangers need to know if they can’t have a baby or simply don’t want one?

Well, this blog feature is going to address those concerns and more. It is a way for women to express themselves without the overwhelming cloak of judgement hanging over them. If you are a “childless” woman over the age of 30 and would like to participate in this event, please contact me.

Let the people hear your point of view so they can stop asking you all of the time. Let your voices be heard! Be sure to spread the word! Like, and share this post.

Bio

Mercedes Wilson, a wife, mother of four, breast cancer survivor, and proud Western New York native, is no doubt on a mission to help young women across the region. Mercedes founded For Our Daughters Incorporated with the mission of educating young women on how to advocate for their own health and wellness. Mercedes is also an author with first book titled “Hope” coming out June 15th, 2018. She hosts a bi-weekly podcast called “The Mercedes Wilson Show” that addresses the topics of today’s church from all angles. Mercedes is a board member of the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier, a volunteer in the Buffalo Community, and a very proud student of 2018 Leadership Buffalo Class! “18 Great Team”!

Q&A:

What do you do and Why do you do it?

I am a new author. I do it because if I don’t, I can’t sleep! It doesn’t give me rest!

Tell us about your most recent work.

“Hope: How Faith Carried Me Through My Darkest Hours” -This book gives you a glimpse into some of the hardest points of my life while allowing you to see Gods magnificent hand at work. We serve a triumphant God, and he can work in situations where we think there is no way out.

Who inspires you?

My family

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?

My new book and my 4 children

What is your motto in life?

Do it!

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.

workshops worldwide

What is your favorite quote?

“A man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument”

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

My giving to those in need and my crazy laugh

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

The Healing Power of Faith Workshop on June 22nd in Williamsville, NY – $33 adv $39 at the door. For tickets call: (716)930-5011 or email grandie26@yahoo.com

Bio

Lorenzo Dozier is an upcoming novelist who focuses on stories about growth. As a Brooklyn native, growing up in New York, he persevered through obstacles and managed to live life to the best of his ability.

His passion for writing speaks volumes and continues to evolve through time. His journey as a writer started in 2004. Where he dedicated his time to creating a world circling around growth and character development. Lorenzo is a graduate from St. Francis College. He holds a Bachelors in English and Mass Communication. Class of 2013.

Outside of writing, Lorenzo helps the youth in their Education. He has worked with Elementary and Middle school students as an After school teacher and Literacy Tutor. Before working with children, Lorenzo started as a computer specialist called T4. T4 stands for Today’s Teens Tomorrow Techies. His duties in the Brooklyn Public Library were to assist patrons by troubleshooting more advanced technology problems, applying skills learned in training workshops. His ability giving back to the Brooklyn community opened doors for him in literature. Lorenzo shows positive vibes, gives advice and helps those in need of support. He has mentored many people over the years and continues to spread positive vibes wherever he goes.

On April 18, 2011. Lorenzo took his skills of graphic designing from High school to create a page called Team Awesome. From 2011-2013, Team Awesome focused on professional wrestling and Sports Entertainment. His platforms provided news, media, coverage, videos and photos related to WWE, Ring of Honor, Impact Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling and several other independent promotions.

After 10 years of creating a novel, a book called “31 Days to Live” was published November 11, 2015. Lorenzo decided to take a path on self promoting Mystery & Suspense. Which started as a notebook in High school, now available in paperback & kindle.

On February 6, 2018. Apollo Communications republished 31 Days to Live. Remastered for the public.

Q & A

What do you do and Why do you do it?

I originally worked in the educational system for seven years. Helping many people from elementary school to Middle school. Today I work with the intellectual disability community and raising awareness in mental health. I write for a living because it is a talent I have. To be able to create a fictional world with scenarios and challenges is amazing. I do it because it is a passion i have.

Tell us about your most recent work.

In 2015, I released book one of a trilogy. The story focuses on a teenager named Kamel Johnson. He receives a phone call from an unidentified number who is revealed to being a serial Killer. The two characters cross paths and thus begins the epic story of good vs. evil, right vs. wrong and doing whatever it takes to save the day, plus solve a mystery. This is my most recent work because I’ve invested over 10 years working on this story. And till this day, it remains one of my focuses along with a future sequel and trilogy.

Who inspires you?

My mother and God inspired me every day. In the writing world, I look to Stephen King, James Patterson and Maya Angelou. My late English teacher, Richard Notice plays a huge role in my path as a writer.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?

The poems I have written and the prequel/sequel to the 31 Days to Live series.

What is your motto in life?

Live by faith, not by sight.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.

Hoping someone picks up my story and says to themselves, “Let’s turn this into a movie or show on Netflix.”

What is your favorite quote?

Don’t be the problem, be the solution.

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered for being an optimistic person. I have tried to put smiles on faces and make the best of life. Despite my flaws and setbacks. I have done some extraordinary things and it has brightened up my day. Hopefully others too.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

The Kill All Project is the prequel of 31 Days to Live taking three to four years before the events of the current book that has recently been revamped. Date to be announced. Would love to do a summer release.

Where can fans purchase your work?

You can visit Amazon, Barnes and noble websites or several other platforms where books are sold. Just type in 31 Days to Live or Lorenzo Dozier. Be on the look out for a updated version for 2018. Stay tuned for the sequel coming soon.

Today is the Release Day for Yecheilyah Ysrayl’s latest creation! I have been looking forward to this one since I read Book 1 – Renaissance: The Nora White Story back in June of last year.

The story of Nora White continues where it left off from book 1 in the series. As expected it was a whirlwind of excitement.
The story once again toggles between New York, Nora’s new haven and Mississippi, her roots.

I found myself enthralled with this story. The way the author blends the actual events of the past with her fictitious interpretation is compelling. The visual depictions of the surrounding had me inside the room when Nora was waking from one of her spells. I could smell the open air of the South and feel the breeze on my face at the lake. I had the feeling that if I took a step, I would enter into the realm of Nora and her friends as they prepared for the huge Marcus Garvey event at The Garden.

The lesson in this book is something that is needed so much in today’s society. It also shows, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

My one disappointment was that we never hear from Lisa and what happened to her. I was very much looking forward to seeing how karma was going to deal with her. The author did leave a tiny bit of hope at the end so maybe we’ll see a third book about Lisa and her shenanigans. Here’s hoping. Overall I gave this story 4.5 stars, which in my world rounds up to a 5 star rating!

To purchase Renaissance, Revolution and the rest of Yecheilyah’s body of work Click Here.

Bio:

D.D. Wright was born in Harlem NY but raised in the Bronx. She graduated from Sacred Heart as well Cardinal Spellman HS. She later received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology as well as her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education, from Lehman College. She has been teaching since 2002 but writing since childhood.

Currently, D.D. is a successful author. She self-published her first book of poetry, Poetry 2Life in October of 2012. Followed by her second ebook of poetry, Embracing: A Poetic Perspective in April of 2013. In June of 2014, D.D. started an online talk show entitled, “Poetic Soul”.

Q &A:

What do you do and Why do you do it?

I write books of poetry, short stories and literary letters. I enjoy universal ideas almost as much as I enjoy sharing them. Writing is therapeutic. I hope to encourage and inspire those who need it the most. Connecting/networking with other indie authors inspires me to keep the pen close.

Tell us about your most recent work.

“For the Sake of Romance: A Chapbook For Those Who Love” is my 6th publication. It focuses on romance and loving. It is a short collection of short and slightly longer than short poems meant to revive the concept of romance. In the world we live in, its difficult for some of us to keep in mind that romance does still exist. This chapbook serves as a reminder – for all ages, that it does.

Who inspires you?

My daughter inspires me. She is so hilarious and energetic. There are quite a few icons as well as indie authors that also inspire me. Those who are determined to overcome and grow through challenges inspire me the most.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?

At this time, my masterpiece is the novel I am working on. I am combining the two short stories I wrote, “Coincidental Fate” and “Samson’s Story” with an additional pages to complete my first novel. It will serve as tangible proof that anything is possible. Plus the story line is one most have and will be able to relate to.

What is your motto in life?

My motto in life is, the only person that can get in your way is you. Not only have I overcome this but have seen others be held back by themselves. Once determined, nothing nor anyone can block a soul from obtaining/accomplishing what they want.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.

My wildest dream would be receiving the Pulitzer Prize or Newberry Metal for a book I wrote. It isn’t the award as much as knowing that my words graced that many readers. I would love that.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is one by Tupac Shakur, “Reality is wrong, dreams are for real”. Anything is possible if you believe, yes, even dreams!

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered as a caring mother, educator and writer who gave the best of herself to those she cared for. One who also stood up for the underdogs and advocated for those whose voice wasn’t courageous enough.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

I am currently organizing an anthology, “While Waiting”. It will be a free ebook advising single men and women about the waiting period between where they are now as they head towards a relationship. Several indie authors will be writing poems, letters and short stories offering their wisdom on this way of life.

Where can fans purchase your work?

My books are available in both soft cover and e-books at AuthorHouse.com, Amazon.com, CreateSpace.com and Smashwords.com For autographed copies, please email me authorddwright@gmail.com. PayPal payments will be accepted.

Bio:

Tamyara is the author of six novels Blue’s Treasure,Fat Girl Vigilante, I’m Still here, Gatekeeper of Secrets, Love Has No Waist size and Cash & Money. She has been published in three anthologies, a blogger, website designer, and a publishing consultant. She is a member of the Board of Our Curls, Inc a non-profit organization tailored to providing free wigs and beauty services to women of color. She loves writing novels and in her spare time designing book covers, logos, media kit, and websites.

Q & A:

What do you do and Why do you do it?

I am an suspense and romance novel writer. I love to write because my whole mission is to use my novels to encourage my readers that we can change our mess and turn our lives into a masterpiece.

Tell us about your most recent work.

Cash and Money is a twisted tale about a set of Twins. One of the twins has fallen in love with his father’s wife, Onika. She is the master puppeteer tugging at one of the son’s heart and the father. When the revelation of truth is found out all hell will break loose.

Who inspires you?

My children is inspire me especially my son Ruben who has battled a tough kidney disease, received a kidney transplant in 2015 and continues to overcome his battles with his health.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?

Right now my masterpiece to me is my first novel, Blue’s Treasure. It was written in love and open the doors for me to continue writing.

What is your motto in life?

To work hard, stay humble and be a blessing to others always.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.

My wildest dreams would be to see all of my books become a movie and at least one wins an Oscar.

What is your favorite quote?

If God’s will is in your little stones, they will surely bring down giant Goliaths… but you have to make the throw!”

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

Being an amazing writer and a woman who dared to dream big and do the work no matter what.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

B.L.A.H Diaries in September 2018 and A missing Girl Named Reshonda in 2019